Perforated or Non perforated leather

[wavehound]

I am buying a riding jacket soon, but I am unsure of what to get.  I'm leaning toward the joe rocket sonic jacket.  I also don't know if I should get the perforated or non perforated version.  I'm worried about the perforated jacket holding up, plus I don't really like the perforated look.  On the other hand I don't want to sweat every ride when august rolls around again.  Any input would help.

[Zarathustra]

In my opinion the perferated sucks.  i own one right now, and have not been pleased with it.  I lowsided off an oil slick on the road going around 30 and it tore on me in the chest, so its construction isn't all that great.  also, it's a bastard jacket for teperatures.  In the winter, it's way too cold and airy, and in the summer, it's still too hot.  so, if i had to do it all over again, i'd buy a real leather jacket, unless you live in a hot climate, and really don't want a mesh jacket.

[dgyver]

I low sided at 60mph wearing a fully perforated JR speedmaster leathers and they held up just fine. Got the whole right side, shoulder to knee. Cosmetic damage only except for the stretchy part behind the knee, wore though but patchable. Perforated leather will be weaker than non-perf but should hold up fine. I wear it almost year round. Easy enough to wear a thermal shirt in the morning and be able to take it off later after it warms up. Also, I have non-perf leathers for the cold and rain.

[70 Cam Guy]

I have a perf'ed Dainese jacket in the chest and fronts of arms.  The first one I had saved my shoulder and arms and back in a 35mph lowside.  It has a liner too and works well in cooler weather (mornings/nights)

I liked it enough to get another one

[pantablo]

I lowsided going around 30 and it tore on me in the chest, so its construction isn't all that great.  

Its not the fact it was perf but rather the manufacturer's quality or perhaps a bad/faulty jacket in your case. Perf should hold up just fine.
If most of your riding is in cooler (i.e. not super hot weather) then I'd go non perf. My riding partner has perf and is more often a little cold than cool. Although in those hot august days he's pretty comfortable. you can always layer under a perf jacket...